World street party brings community together to celebrate diversity in Andover

Andover residents made their way to the High Street on Monday 26 August 2024, to be a part of the World Street Party, which brought communities together to share insights into different cultures.

The event was funded by Test Valley Borough Council and Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF). TVAF was awarded a £500 Councillor Community Grant to help bring this event to life and provide a range of art activities and Bollywood workshops.

On the day, visitors tucked into freshly cooked street food, listened to stories and watched some colourful dance and musical performances.

In the lead up to the event more than 50 members of Andover’s Cultural Sharing Forum, aged between three and seventy years, came together with Hannah Cantellow, a local artist working with Chapel Arts Studios, to develop some decorative banners which were put on display. Members of the forum were given the opportunity to exchange stories, experiences and knowledge about Andover, its people and heritage through words, drawings and sketches.  Their contributions formed the basis for the designs of two large banners, which were themed around nature and culture, and mythology and imagination.

Throughout the project participants were able to improve their artistic skills and several individuals reported feeling a deeper sense of belonging within their local community, a newfound connection with people from different cultural backgrounds and a sense of pride from contributing to a visible, public art project.

Andover St Mary’s Ward councillor, Iris Anderson said: “This was a fantastic event which saw so many people come together to share their experiences and find out more about the diverse communities in Andover.

“I’m delighted that we were able to support this event and this is another great example of how our Councillor Community Grants can support local initiatives.”